Michigan Association of Chiropractors wins ruling in COA

May 13, 2013 — In an historic victory for the chiropractic profession, the Michigan Court of Appeals (COA) ruled that the Michigan Association of Chiropractors (MAC) lawsuits against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Blue Care Network (BCN) could move forward as class action lawsuits. The case, COA Docket No. 304736, was signed by Judges E. Thomas Fitzgerald, Patieck Meter, and Michael Kelly.

MAC President Dennis Whitford, DC, was elated with the ruling, which he called a “tremendous win and important step on the road to overall victory” in the lawsuits.

Background: In April 2011, Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Paula Manderfield, in a very favorable ruling, granted the MAC’s motion for “class certification” in our legal actions against BCBSM and BCN. These lawsuits stemmed from the fact that BCBSM and BCN have engaged in conduct that the MAC believes has been discriminatory toward doctors of chiropractic and our patients.

Judge Manderfield’s decision meant that the cases would move forward as class action lawsuits. However, BCBSM and BCN appealed to the COA.

On February 12, the COA heard oral arguments in the lawsuits and later issued their ruling.

What’s next? BCBSM and BCN could appeal the COA ruling to the Michigan Supreme Court. While we wait to see what they will do next, our attorneys continue to pursue all possible avenues to resolve these serious concerns. Stay tuned to the MAC Week in Review and Journal for more information as it becomes available.